These days, shes championing strong women as an advisory council member for the Smithsonian American Womens History Museum.
At 17, you start singing professionally.
By 19, youre crossing the country with a band.
Thats quite a ride at a young age.
Well, there were some lean years when I didnt have a penny.
I really couldnt squander anything.
I stayed with some friends for a while when I ran out of money.
But I had support from my mom in terms of you could do it!
Youre going to be great!
Looking back, I had a lot of tenacity and determination.
I was naive in a helpful way.
Wonder Womanmade you famous.
How do you explain her enduring appeal?
She is not a victim.
She is extraordinary, as women are.
You became identified with your first big role.
Ive always embraced Wonder Woman as the ideal of what womanhood is.
Its what we are trying to capture at the Smithsonian American Womens History Museum.
You serve on the advisory council for that museum, which is in its planning stages.
What drew you to the project?
They were looking for people who would bring some new blood to the process.
I jumped at the chance.
What need will this museum fill?
Wonder Woman has been a role model for millions of girls.
What women past or present influenced you?
I would say Betty Friedan … Hillary Clinton … Golda Meir … Indira Gandhi.
Oh, and Dinah Shore The Dinah Shore Chevy Show!
[SingsSee the USA in your Chevrolet!]
Dinah inspired me because she could sing and dance!
